Home Business in York County, PA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated York County, Pennsylvania.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of York County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Zoning & Home Occupation Permits

York County issues no home-occupation permit. Whether a permit or zoning approval is needed depends on your borough or township ordinance under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. No-impact home-based businesses are allowed by right statewide.

Home Occupation Permits (York County, PA)

Some Restrictions

PA Municipalities Planning Code § 107 (No-impact home-based business)

The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area. The business shall employ no employees other than family members residing in the dwelling.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Cottage Food Operations

Pennsylvania has no cottage-food law and no county rule. Home food sellers register with the state as a "Limited Food Establishment" through the PA Department of Agriculture, which inspects the home kitchen. Only non-hazardous, shelf-stable foods are allowed.

Cottage Food Rules (York County, PA)

Some Restrictions

PA Dept. of Agriculture — Limited Food Establishment program

The Department's Limited Food Establishment program registers home-based and noncommercial food production sites that meet specific guidelines. These kitchens can only make non-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Home Daycare

Home daycare is licensed by the PA Department of Human Services, not York County. A family child care home caring for four to six unrelated children needs a DHS Certificate of Compliance under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290, plus municipal zoning approval.

Home Daycare Rules (York County, PA)

Some Restrictions

55 Pa. Code § 3290.1

This chapter applies to facilities in which out-of-home care is provided, at any one time, for part of a 24-hour day to four, five or six children who are not related to the operator and who are 15 years of age or younger.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All York County ordinances

See every category we cover for York County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

York County Ordinance Hub →